Foot pain can be caused by a number of different reasons such as underlying illnesses, ill-fitting shoes, prolonged standing, or workout injuries. If you’re experiencing any type of foot pain or discomfort, we listed 5 tips below to help give you that much needed relief:
- Visit a specialist for orthopedic shoes: a specialist can help recommend the right shoes or create custom orthotic shoe inserts made specially for you (whether you have a high instep, are flat footed, have plantar fasciitis, etc.) Wearing proper fitted footwear can make a world of difference and help protect you from foot injuries as well as provide maximum support and comfort.
- Use shoe inserts/insoles: inserts fit into your shoes to provide cushioning and support. These inserts are designed to suit a wide range of people and are often made of soft materials such as gel, plastic, or foam to make shoes more comfortable for walking/running. While inserts can’t solve major underlying foot issues, they are a quick fix to provide short-term pain relief from uncomfortable shoes.
- Avoid wearing flat shoes (with little to no support) and ultra high heels: flat shoes with thin soles often lack proper arch support and shock absorption, which could lead to joint issues if worn excessively over a long period of time. Ultra-high heels are another type of shoe that could lead to a variety of issues such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, or back pain due to the increased pressure put on the heel and ball of the foot.
- Roll your feet on tennis balls: rolling your foot over a tennis ball is an excellent way to relieve muscle soreness and pain associated with plantar fasciitis. It loosens the tight muscles and fascia in your feet and provides a great (and cheap!) massage. Place a tennis ball on the ground and slowly roll it under each foot for a few minutes each day for pain relief.
- Soak your feet in Epsom salt: Epsom salt soaks are a popular and relaxing remedy known to relieve pain and inflammation. A study showed that the magnesium in Epsom salt can be absorbed through the skin to boost levels of this mineral in your body and help reduce inflammation and muscle soreness. Dissolve half a cup of Epsom salt in a basin of warm water and soak your feet for 10 to 20 minutes for pain relief.